Entrepreneur of the week: Elizna Pelser

Pelser did not let the retrenchment phase her, and instead decided to focus on building a business using leather to make shoes, handbags and book covers.

“I always had a passion for leather. I had started my business when I was still working for a local clothing company, but after I was retrenched was when it really started to evolve and grow,” she said.

Pelser mainly uses 100% full-grain leather to make her products, using two different types of tanned leather: vegetable-tanned leather and chrome-tanned leather. Pelser said, however, her favourite type to work with was the vegetable-tanned leather, as it is easier to manipulate and shape into the product you want.

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She also works with cotton canvas material and wood. From leather handbags, backpacks and belts, to bowties, leather suspenders, docking stations and even wine carriers, Pelser is truly talented and skilled in her leatherwork and product design.

When asked about the support she receives from the community, Pelser said she was extremely blessed.

“The community really supports me a lot. My main form of advertising is on Facebook and it is quite well received. I am very thankful,” she said.

Pelser uses her profits from her business to continue growing it, and buys equipment that helps increase her workflow so she can make more quality leather products for her clients within a shorter period of time.

Operating from her studio at her home at The Rest, Pelser said people can view her Facebook page, Dandelion Leather, for more of her products as well as her contact details, should anyone want to call or WhatsApp her to place orders.

She said she is in the process of building her website and online shop, and hopes to have it ready soon. You can also find her at local markets.

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